Shoutbox?
 

Did the shoutbox disappear for everyone else? Was it supposed to go away? Is it planning on making a return?

I've looked around for a post on this and haven't seen something. Am I also going blind?

Yes, Yes, No, No

(EDIT: However, among the links at the top of your screen, you should see one that says "chat." That is still available for your real-time discussion needs and I encourage everyone who enjoyed the shoutbox to generate discussion in the chatroom - it is what you make of it :))

deleted - answered by someone else as i was typing

Yeah, it disappeared last night when I was in the middle of finding out more about Steak n Shake from Shani and DEI37.

Some warning would have been appreciated. I still think an explanation of why the shoutbox is gone is due. I understand some people don't like it, but there are a great many of us who do like it, and do use it, and would appreciate knowing why it's gone.

Indeed, and some who can't use the java/IRC chat at work, but can use the Shoutbox. Unless it's terribly taxing on the server, I don't see why it needs to go away. :)

So start a 'shoutbox' thread in nonsense...it's just a different way for threads to be displayed.


Full disclosure: I'm glad it's gone, now TFP home page loads much quicker on my blackberry.

I concur. We went through this before already, and it returned. I thought the *issue* (of what, some people like one thing more than the other? That doesn't seem like an issue to me *shrug*) was resolved.

I miss it already.

Yeah, I will miss the ShoutBox for sure.

yeah Im in the group of "the chat link its useless to me and may as well not be there)

oh well was fun while it lasted

/me heads back to my own shoutboxes to be able to have real time converstation with someone

Short answer: there are lots of things that lots of people like or would like - that doesn't mean they ought to be part of the site.

Long answer: The shoutbox detracted from the chat room and unnecessarily split discussion up into two groups: chatters and shouters. The occasional firewall issue aside, the shoutbox was only marginally more convenient than clicking the "chat" link at the top of the page, so that wasn't a compelling argument for keeping it. Moderating the shoutbox was a bitch: the logs were a pain in the ass to go through so it was difficult to catch up and get context, and if/when action needed to be taken, there were not many tools at our disposal other than full-on warnings, which are not often warranted. It tended to slow down the site - sometimes only by a little, sometimes by a lot. Arguments that chat is less active were also not compelling due to the fact that chat is what you make of it. If everyone who liked using the shoutbox were to click the "chat" link and leave it open the same way they did with the shoutbox, there would be just as much discussion in there (minus the couple people who can't get into IRC from work, or who refuse to go into IRC for whatever reason). Finally, while having fun and goofing off a bit is perfectly reasonable, having it displayed at the very top of the front page for all potential new members to see as their first impression is not an effective way to highlight the relatively mature and open discussion we try to foster here. The chat room - or Tilted Nonsense - is a much more appropriate venue for that kind of enjoyment.

I enjoyed it at times, but I think I'll still be able to function without it. Not a biggie.

***edit

I've changed my mind about participating in this discussion

I count 4 main reasons in his post, with subreasons.

Discipline is only one of those, and honestly, is pretty much the least important one of them. This place isn't exactly a frat house. We don't take much disciplinary action.

I'm just glad you all made up your collective minds about it...one way or another. I'm sure we can all survive without it quite happily. I would not expect to see those who used the Shout, to transfer the energy into chat though...its a totally different Vibe.

Exactally. Enough said.

I was also wondering what happened to the shoutbox. And, man, chat sucks. Namely because it NEVER works for me.

Different in what way?

eh, i'm in the chat now. it's not so bad. I miss shout though for it's own merits.

It just seemed more personal, and inviting. Likely the convenience factor came into play as well, but it felt more as if you were actually chatting with individuals vs. a crowd. Still....its no big loss, I stopped going in there after I learned Halx didnt want it used that way anyway.

a crowd is made up of individuals..

Chat is what you make of it. If you come in and idle..then it's idle.. if you chat then it's the same thing only a different interface.

.............Yup..............

I'd like someone to find the quote of me saying that I don't want people chatting in the shoutbox. I double dog dare you to find it.

Anyways, its gone now. I look forward to seeing more action in chat!

mmmm. theres the completely different dynamic and atmosphere, then theres always those of us that would rather be stabbed through the eyes with a white hot poker than be in the same chatroom with certain people.... hmmm....

what's the difference between being in a chatroom with certain people and a shoutbox with certain people?

the certain people that i'm not interested in being around. EVER. are in the chatroom. They rarely come into the shoutbox.

ya know, I really, really, <B>REALLY</B> hate this attitude. TFP is a community that is involved in growth and evolution. We are all adults and we should be able to put aside differences and have a good chat or debate. While everyone won't always "get along", it's the fucking internet. Seriously. If you disagree with someone so be it. Just ignore the person or turn the convo into something else. Chat is entirely up to the people involved. It's no different than using the shoutbox and that person using it at the same time. Chat is merely an easier interface to use with more options; and hopefully, more people.

...Life is too short to hold grudges :D

nope gucci. its completely different. and you can love me or hate me, its affect on me would involve my caring what you think, which i dont.

Well, you know, believe it or not, there are people here that I don't care for either, but I make the choice not to carry my luggage around when I'm not at the airport, if you get my drift.

It has nothing to do with hating your or loving you. It has to do with the fact that as adults we should be able to put aside differences and form opinions and conversations without thinking, "I wish I could poke my eyes out instead being in this room which I came into by my own free will"

That's really immature, and it makes me feel uncomfortable that you have such a hatred for someone that you must make an announcement of it. It makes me feel like you have no respect for the mature, adult nature of this site.

Allow me to put on my Worlds King hat for a moment, since he's conspicuously absent:

I hate you all.

Halx I have not heard the double dog dare in YEARS!! Damn I am old :(

MM, i see what you're saying, but just because some people prefer one airline over another because of the dickheads that are hired by the one airline, doesnt mean I've got to let my bags be put on those airlines and fly with them. Its REAL easy to find another one.

analog, you can see it as you like. you only see it as immature because you dont get it. im not the only one around here with strongly held opinions, and i didnt share mine until told to use the chatroom and "deal" . um, i dont have to. period. and wont. its simple enough.

Are you going to go tell his mom now? Your immature handling of this situation is making this space more hostile- nothing is being resolved or communicated.

Well said :)

This discussion is HILARIOUS!

And I hate you too, Jazz. I hope you die of gonorrhea and rot in hell.

Mind if I announce that in my sig, too?

ya know, this conversation would be so much better in chat..

Are you threatening yet again to leave? It sure seems like you spend a lot of time here thinking about leaving.

I bet you like this more than you want to admit. That's why you're still here.

Hal, you've given me the gift that keeps on giving. I should have never believed that you were drug and disease free.

I am honored to be in your signature. Then again, that may just be my diseased mind talking. Anyone got any pennicillin?